The Portland Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2026-2027 season with a groundbreaking community partnership model that takes the orchestra out of the concert hall and into neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces across Greater Portland, aiming to reach audiences who have never experienced a live symphonic performance.
Under the theme “Music Without Walls,” the season includes the orchestra’s traditional Merrill Auditorium concert series alongside 24 community performances in non-traditional venues — libraries, community centers, parks, houses of worship, and even a brewery — across Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, and Scarborough.
“The concert hall will always be our home, but music belongs everywhere,” said PSO music director Eckart Preu. “We want to meet people in their own communities and show them that orchestral music is for everyone, not just the people who already buy tickets.”
The community performances will feature smaller ensemble configurations — string quartets, brass quintets, woodwind groups — performing programs designed to be accessible and interactive. Post-performance conversations with musicians will be a feature of every event.
A centerpiece of the community season is a partnership with Portland Public Schools that will bring live performances to every elementary school in the district, reaching approximately 4,500 students. The performances include a curriculum component developed with music educators that connects the concert experience to classroom learning.
“For many of our students, this will be their first time hearing live orchestral music,” said Portland Public Schools music coordinator Derek Williams. “Research shows that early exposure to live performance can spark a lifelong love of music. This partnership is incredibly valuable.”
The initiative was made possible by a $750,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, supplemented by contributions from local supporters and corporate sponsors. Community performances are free to attend, with donations welcomed.
PSO board chair Janet Mills said the season reflects the orchestra’s commitment to relevance and inclusion. “An orchestra that only plays for the people who already love it is an orchestra in decline. We want to grow our audience by growing our community connections.”
The community season launches in September with performances at the Portland Public Library, the Riverton Community Center, and Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth. The full schedule is available at portlandsymphony.org.
